‘No extension request from Ajit Agarkar’:BCCI clarifies chief selector’s future, shortlists 20 probables for 2027 ODI WC

Even though the ODI World Cup is still more than a year away, preparations have already started for Team India. The BCCI selectors have reportedly shortlisted around 20 players who are likely to be in contention for the big tournament. Their performances will now be closely monitored during the upcoming IPL season. BCCI has also shut down the speculation over Ajit Agarkar’s urge for the role extension. The IPL 2026 season, starting March 28, will play a key role in shaping India’s ODI squad. According to a BCCI source, the national selectors will track these players carefully throughout the tournament. This will help them assess form, fitness, and consistency ahead of the World Cup. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia during October and November. With such a big event in mind, the selection panel has already started planning early. The board has also mentioned that the Afghanistan Test series will see a full-strength Indian squad. ‘No extension requested by Ajit Agarkar’ – BCCI source There were reports that Agarkar had asked for an extension after India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, but the BCCI has denied the speculation. As per a PTI report, a senior BCCI official clarified, “The selection panel is a sub-committee of the BCCI and the selectors’ contract runs till September this year.” Also read: Sanju Samson X-factor, MS Dhoni’s last IPL season?:CSK SWOT analysis; Yellow Army’s big gamble on Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma The official added further, “Ajit’s contract ends in September, and after that, the BCCI secretary and Ajit will have to decide whether he will continue till next year’s ODI World Cup. A senior selector can continue upto four years as per the constitution, and he doesn’t need to seek an extension.” Agarkar has been leading the panel since July 2023 and has handled key transitions after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from certain formats. BCCI selection panel and their roles ahead of 2027 ODI WC The selection committee is led by Ajit Agarkar and includes Shiv Sunder Das (Kolkata), RP Singh Ajay Ratra (Delhi) and Pragyan Ojha (Bengaluru and Hyderabad). Each selector will attend matches at their assigned venues and watch others on television. A senior official said, “The BCCI is looking at each selector watching at least one game per week, which covers five games per week from the venue. Else obviously they can track on TV.” The IPL will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on March 28. BCCI shortlists 20 probable players for 2027 ODI WC This IPL season will mainly focus on players already identified for the ODI format. The selectors are unlikely to pick any new breakout stars based only on IPL performances. There will also be an eye on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performance ahead of the 2027 ODI WC selection. The core fast-bowling group includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana is expected to take time to recover from injury. Full-strength squad to be announced for Afghanistan Test series The selectors are also planning to field a strong team for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, despite it not being part of the World Test Championship. Also read: ‘Thala and Chetta’, reactions pour in on Dhoni, Samson’s union: Wholesome video shared by CSK goes viral ahead of IPL 2026 | WATCH A BCCI source said, “The India Test cap isn’t for experimentation. For that, you have India A shadow tours. As of now, in Tests, Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh are the top three bowlers on the selectors’ radar.” Even key players like Bumrah and Siraj are expected to be available unless they face any injury concerns during the IPL.